A/N: Ha! I don't own these characters! Who told you that!?
As promised, a chapter in a timely fashion. :P
If you were wondering at Oz's name; I was trying to think of a name for him that had a 'z' in it, and Wizard of Oz came on... Yep, that's how he got the name. Exciting, huh?
For the rest of the day Zuko was left alone. He was not adverse to that. He found it far more pleasurable to the alternative of beatings, but it also gave him time to think.
He cringed to envision what Gow might have in store for him. Zuko had seriously humiliated the man the last time they met. Gow didn't seem to be the type to just let a grudge go, even after all these years.
Zuko wondered if his men knew that their Boss was wasn't Fire Nation, and that he was, in fact, an Earthbender. Zuko doubted that they did.
Looking around he knew that if he and Katara were going to escape, it would best be accomplished from upstairs. Down here they'd be at a disadvantage, and too easily cut off. They would just have to wait for Gow to make his move.
When his brain had stilled it's musings, the Fire Lord began to wonder how long this day would last. He tried to meditate, and for a time that calmed his frazzled nerves and aching body.
Zuko felt hungry from time to time, but could do nothing about it. He also lost all sense of time in his dark prison. When he finally became tired he assumed it was night again. He tried to get comfortable on the cold stone but it wasn't easy. Eventually a fitful sleep claimed him.
****
When he woke the next morning he felt stiff all over. He'd found out in the night that the pain in his ribs wouldn't let him rest on his left side. His head felt heavy from the strained sleep.
The blood on his neck had dried and was flaking off making it itch. At least the swelling in his lip, and around his eye had gone down considerably.
The door opened and Zuko was again blinded by the sudden light. When his eyes adjusted he was happy to be greeted by a familiar and friendly face.
"Good morning Fire Lord." Katara said quietly. She had the tray of food in one hand. In the other hand she carried a large jug; under that arm she had something that looked like a bedroll.
"Good morning Ahnah." he said. As soon as the door was bolted behind her, he smiled. "What's with all the stuff?"
She huffed as she set it all down next to him. "Something is definitely in the works. Gow – who everyone seems to know as 'Boss' as far as I can tell – sent out several messages. I think he's waiting for answers back before proceeding. I was ordered to bring you the bed so you would be more comfortable. I'm supposed to wash your hair and clean your wounds." she held up some bandages. "I made a face of disgust when they told me that." She laughed.
He chuckled, "I wonder what he's planning."
Katara shrugged and moved around to start washing his hair. She carefully worked around his worst gash. "There's something else. Just about nightfall yesterday I saw the old man who let us in at the rich couple's house. You remember the couple above the village." Zuko nodded. "He was in the bar. He looked frightened and he left quickly. I don't think he saw me."
"That's odd. I wonder what he was doing over here." Zuko's brows knit. "Keep an eye out for him. Watch to see what he does." It felt good to get the blood off his neck.
She leaned forward to get more water and nodded to him. After a few minutes she finished with his hair. "There. As good as I can do without bending." She refocused and looked into his eyes with concern. "How are you holding up?"
"Other than the obvious pains, I'm a little stiff and sore. Mostly from my arms being bound behind me all the time, and sleeping on the stone floor." he smiled weakly.
She summoned water from the jug and cupped it around his shoulder.
"Katara?" He perked his eyebrow.
"They won't be able to tell that I healed your sore muscles and joints. So, shh. Just keep quiet." She smiled. After she finished with his shoulders she worked on his knees.
Zuko had begun to relax under her touch, it was very calming. He didn't register what she was doing until after she'd moved around to kneel at his back and she started lifting his shirt. "Wha... what are you doing?" He blushed as he tried to turn his head to her.
"I want to check on your ribs and I'll ease some of the tension in your back."
He would've protested more but she pushed his shirt up further making him turn his head away. He felt her hands run along his sides examining for breaks. He tried not to shudder from the feeling of it.
She stopped at his left side, examining where he'd been kicked. "How does this feel?" she asked from behind him.
"Uh... " he blushed at what he thought she was asking about.
"You have a nasty bruise here. Does it hurt much?"
He coughed when she pressed on it. "Not right now. Earlier it hurt a lot."
She held healing water over the worst of the area until the bruising started to fade. She breathed deeply and rested her hand on his spine. "Well, I don't think any of your ribs are broken. I didn't heal them as much as I could've in case they check. I'll work on your back now."
Zuko sucked in a breath when he felt cool water accompany her warm hands on his back. As she pulled his shirt back down, he thought she was done far too soon for his liking. Standing, he stretched and bent every way he was able. "That feels great, much better. Thank you Katara." he looked down at her and thought he caught the fading remnants of a blush on her cheeks. He dismissed it as exertion, and sat down again.
She fed him and they planned what they'd do if Zuko was taken upstairs. The time flew by, and eventually Katara had to say goodbye again.
****
Zuko was sitting cross legged on his bedroll meditating, when the door opened again. It surprised and alarmed him, because it'd seemed like only a few hours had passed since Katara had left.
This time Gow entered accompanied by several of his men, all fully armed. Zuko hid a smile at their precautions for a bound man. The Fire Lord put on his best look of disdain, and for the most part, ignored their presence.
Gow sneered as he approached. "Have you enjoyed my hospitality Fire Lord?" A few of the men snickered, but it sounded a little forced. The Boss continued, "I even sent one of my best girls to you. I heard you were some trouble to her, but she brought you around." He roared with laughter. "I hope she was good. You may not be getting much more in the near future."
Zuko's face was a mask of calm as his insides boiled at every word.
Gow leaned over him. "I have good news! You're moving out of here tomorrow afternoon. I got someone to meet my asking price. They'll be here to pick you up and pay me in person."
Zuko looked up at him and narrowed his eyes. "How much did you ransom me for? I hope whatever it is will be worth the pain you'll be in later." his voice growled.
Gow's expression slipped ever so slightly. The irate Earthbender lifted Zuko by his tunic, bringing him up so they were nose to nose. "If I didn't want you looking nice for our guests I'd rearrange your face again!"
Zuko didn't blink or say a word, just stared back at the so-called 'boss'."
Gow dropped him but Zuko caught himself and stood proudly in front of them. He glared at him. "Tell me one thing. Why are you here? Why did you come to this town?"
Zuko shrugged and looked disinterested. "I was looking for an old friend that I thought was in trouble."
"To bad you didn't find him. You could probably use a friend right about now." The Boss laughed again, then motioned to the others. "Come on. Let's leave the pathetic looser to his darkness." He stomped his way out and Zuko was alone again.
He sank back down to his bed. He wondered who had bought him. He guessed because of the quick response that it was someone in the Fire Nation. He had no shortage of enemies, even from among his own nation.
He needed to talk to Katara. They'd have to abandon the original plan and focus on escape. They'd run out of time to do anything else.
He may have had no idea of where he was going, but he was positive Katara wouldn't be able to follow.
A/N: Sorry this chapter is so short, but it's really just filler. Action in the next one! Woo! Hoo!
Any guesses on who the buyer(s) is/are?
About this time I regretted not giving the 'Rich Couple' names... T_T